CHRISTOPHER RYAN MULLINS

Lead product design for AI-focused incubation studio specializing in healthcare, cybersecurity, and national security solutions. Embedded directly with engineering teams to validate and derisk innovative products before full-scale development investment.

• Architect end-to-end AI product experiences from concept ideation through production, specializing in generative AI, conversational interfaces, and voice-first applications that address complex national security and healthcare challenges
• Lead double diamond design process for multiple concurrent product streams, facilitating cross-functional workshops with C-suite stakeholders, engineers, and end users to align technical feasibility with market opportunity
• Establish design strategy and governance frameworks for AI ethics, accessibility, and responsible AI implementation across portfolio companies

• Execute comprehensive rapid prototyping cycles—from paper sketches to fully interactive, production-quality prototypes using HTML/CSS/JavaScript, React, and modern design tools—enabling stakeholder buy-in and investor validation
• Conduct extensive user research and usability testing with target audiences including government officials, healthcare professionals, and enterprise users, synthesizing insights into actionable design recommendations
• Reduce product validation cycles by 40-60% through lean UX practices and continuous discovery methods, saving millions in potential development costs on unvalidated concepts
• Partner with engineering leads to establish technical feasibility early, creating proof-of-concept prototypes that demonstrate AI capabilities before committing to full development cycles

• Pioneer voice user interface (VUI) design patterns for hands-free, eyes-free scenarios in high-stakes operational environments
• Design conversational flows and dialog management systems for AI-powered voice assistants, optimizing for natural language understanding and error recovery
• Create multimodal experiences that seamlessly integrate voice, touch, and visual interfaces across mobile, web, and emerging platforms

• Build production-quality UI components and interactive prototypes, collaborating directly with engineers to ensure pixel-perfect implementation and optimal performance
• Participate in code reviews and technical architecture discussions, providing design perspective on API design, data structures, and system scalability

• Present design strategy and research findings to executive leadership, board members, and investors, influencing product direction and investment decisions
• Mentor designers and engineers on human-centered design principles, design thinking methodologies, and best practices for AI product development
• Facilitate design critiques and workshops that elevate design maturity across portfolio companies

Led product design for enterprise SaaS platform serving Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Designed core features, established comprehensive design system, and mentored junior designers. Conducted extensive user research with C-suite executives and military leaders.

Led digital experience design for nation's passenger rail service supporting 31 million annual passengers. Redesigned booking flows and trip planning tools, improving mobile conversion. Ensured WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility compliance across all platforms.